Principal photographyPrincipal photography is the phase of film production in which the
movie is filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling, as distinct
from pre-production and post-production.[1]
Principal photographyPrincipal photography is typically the most expensive phase of film
production, due to actor, director, and set crew salaries, as well as
the costs of certain shots, props, and on-set special effects. Its
start generally marks a point of no return for the financiers, because
until it is complete, there is unlikely to be enough material filmed
to release a final product needed to recoup costs.[2] While it is
common for a film to lose its greenlight status during
pre-production – for example, because an important cast member
drops out – it is extremely uncommon for financing to be
withdrawn once principal photography has begun.[citation needed]
Feature films usually have insurance in place by the time principal
photography begins. The death of a bankable star before completing all
planned takes, or the loss of sets or footage can render a film
impossible to complete as planned. For example, sets are notoriously
flammable. Furthermore, professional-quality movie cameras are
normally rented as needed, and most camera houses will not allow
rentals of their equipment without proof of insurance.[3]
Once a film concludes principal photography, it is said to have
wrapped, and a wrap party may be organized to celebrate. During
post-production, it may become clear that certain shots or sequences
are missing or incomplete and are required to complete the film, or
that a certain scene is not playing as expected, or even that a
particular actor's performance has not turned out as desired. In these
circumstances, additional material may have to be shot. If the
material has already been shot once, or is substantial, the process is
referred to as a re-shoot, but if the material is new and relatively
minor, it is often referred to as a pick-up.
References[edit]